France head coach Didier Deschamps believes Michael Olise has firmly established himself among football’s elite after hailing the Bayern playmaker as an “extraordinary player” following another influential display in Les Bleus’ 3-0 victory over Sweden.
Olise once again orchestrated France’s attacking play as the 2022 finalists eased into the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, continuing a tournament in which the 24-year-old has emerged as one of the competition’s standout creators.
While Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele have attracted much of the spotlight with their goals, Deschamps reserved special praise for the player he believes has become the heartbeat of France’s attack.
“Yes, he’s in that category,” the France manager said when asked whether Olise belongs among football’s extraordinary talents.
“He has been for a long time because of what he does with his club, Bayern, and what he’s able to do with us.”
France coach Didier Deschamps has described Michael Olise as an “extraordinary player”, insisting the Bayern star now belongs among Les Bleus’ world-class attacking talents after another dazzling World Cup display.
Deschamps explained that although Olise needed time to settle into the national team, repeated matches alongside France’s attacking stars have transformed him into one of the side’s most influential players.
“Michael has had very high-level performances after a very good season,” he said.
“With us, he needed a bit of time to find his bearings, but now he has a very important influence.”
The France coach believes Olise’s value extends far beyond creating chances, describing him as the player who seamlessly connects every phase of his team’s game.
“When Michael touches the ball, a lot of things happen,” Deschamps added.
“He’s the one who feeds the attacking players, but at the same time he creates the link between the defensive phase and the offensive phase.
“He also helps the midfielders a lot.”
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France’s fluid attacking football has become one of the defining features of this World Cup campaign, with Olise, Mbappe and Dembele combining to devastating effect as Les Bleus continue to justify their status as tournament favourites.
According to Deschamps, that chemistry is built on more than individual quality.
“There’s a good relationship between the attacking players,” he explained.
“Not only on a human level, although that’s important, but they also speak the same football language.”
Despite describing Olise as extraordinary, Deschamps made clear the Bayern star is far from the only world-class talent in his squad.
“Like Ousmane, there are quite a few who are,” he said.
“And they’re French.”
The veteran coach also highlighted Olise’s personality, suggesting his quiet nature off the pitch contrasts sharply with his confidence once the match begins.
“Michael has this introverted character and he’s very sensitive,” Deschamps said.
“The important thing is that he’s not introverted on the pitch.
“He has a lot of personality.”
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With France preparing for a Round of 16 showdown against Paraguay, Olise’s growing influence could prove crucial as Deschamps’ side pursue another deep run at football’s biggest tournament.
